Opinion: Another election: Chugach Electric board elections

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An election is underway in south-central Alaska, but it’s not the focus of Anchorage residents’ attention. This is the annual election for the Chugach Electric Association (CEA) Board of Directors. Four candidates are running for his two vacant seats. Those include two incumbents whose decision-making was questionable during his four years there, and two new challengers who want to bring stability to the local electric cooperative.

While the exact origins of the phrase “whatever happens happens, will happen” are debated, we can all agree that actions do indeed have consequences. This can be proven by looking back at junior high school science classes. There we learned Newton’s third law of motion. This law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle can also be demonstrated non-physically by reviewing the many choices we make every day. As adults, we are responsible for our choices and actions and their intended and unintended consequences.

Now consider the consequences of reelecting the following two candidates:

• Voted for a nearly 6% rate increase for CEA members.

• Voted to increase board member salaries from $300 per day (2023) to $600 per day (2025), reaching a staggering $750 per day in 2026 .

• Vote in favor of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which “broadens the focus of financial returns to include social and environmental responsibility” and stipulates that compliance costs can be recovered in fees.

Elected officials will not be held accountable for the consequences of their actions. This is especially concerning when it comes to decisions that have long-term impacts on our communities, such as decisions about energy infrastructure and rates. Chugach Electric Association members have the power to shape the future of the cooperative through their votes in board elections.

It is important to carefully consider the past actions and decisions of incumbent companies and evaluate whether they are consistent with our best interests as Chugach Power ratepayers and community members.

The new challengers in this election, Todd Lindley and Dan Rogers, are both professional engineers and offer a fresh perspective and an opportunity for change. By bringing new voices to the board, we can work towards a more stable, transparent and responsible co-operative that prioritizes the needs of its members over what can become temporary environmental policies. can.

Voting deadline is May 17th. As you vote in this year’s Chugach Power Election, remember that your choices today will have an impact for years to come. Let’s hold our elected board members accountable and ensure the Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors serves the best interests of southcentral Alaska.

nathan andrews He is a lifelong Alaskan, husband, father, construction professional, and Chugach Power ratepayer.

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